Program

Heroic Moments

With Cyprus’ Independence Day just around the corner, Beethoven’s «Eroica», composed in 1803-04, an important landmark in the transition between the Classical period and the Romantic era of music, is an appropriate work for the occasion. Beethoven originally dedicated this work to Napoleon Bonaparte whom he saw as a «great liberator», only for the composer to tear off the dedication page in disgust after the Corsican crowned himself emperor on December 2nd 1804. Especially important in this concert is also the presence, both as soloist and conductor, of Cypriot-born Marios Papadopoulos MBE, the founder, music director and driving force behind the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra (formerly Oxford Philomusica), Orchestra in Residence at the University of Oxford. A warm welcome to Marios and an evening of Beethoven!